Jerry Joseph Stefani, age 66, of Walnut Hill, Florida, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Jerry was born on February 8, 1960, to Martin G. Stefani Sr. and Alice Rose Stefani. He was a faithful Catholic and a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving his country as a Specialist (E-4). During his military service, he worked in mechanics and drafting and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and in Germany. Military service was a proud tradition in the Stefani family. Jerry followed in the footsteps of his father, Martin G. Stefani Sr., a United States Army veteran, and joined a family legacy that also includes his brother, Martin G. Stefani Jr., an Army veteran, and his nephew, Lt. Col. Burt Lewis, USMC (Ret.). Jerry was proud to be part of a family whose members answered the call to serve their country.

Following his military service, Jerry built a career as an Engineering Laboratory Technician with Universal Engineering Solutions, specializing in soils and concrete testing. He was known as a dependable, hardworking man, who took pride in his work and was respected by those who knew him. Outside of work, Jerry found his greatest joy in the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he treasured every opportunity to spend time in the woods or on the water with the close-knit group of friends who shared his love of the outdoors. Those friendships and the memories they made together meant a great deal to him. Jerry was also a devoted NASCAR fan whose favorite driver was Davey Allison. After Davey's passing, he continued to follow the sport and in recent years enthusiastically cheered for Ross Chastain, affectionately calling him "The Watermelon Man."

Jerry is survived by his loving mother, Alice Rose Stefani; his brother, Martin G. Stefani Jr. ("Steve") his wife, Marilyn; and his sister, LuAnn Joyner, and her husband, Kenny; Jerry also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, Christopher Glover (Gena), Brandi Geoghagan (Brad), Sherry Glover, Burt Lewis (Christy), Barbara Lee Stefani (Doug), and Ashley Lewis Tubb (Daniel); he also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephew; his cherished lifelong friends, Darin Elkins, David Lister and Dave Vandervoit; extended family members; and all who were blessed to know him.

A graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the US Army. Family and friends are asked to gather at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 8:15 a.m. to travel together to Naval Air Station Pensacola for the committal service. Pallbearers will be his nephew, Burt Lewis, his grandnephews, Daniel Geoghagan, Joshua Geoghagan, Gabe Tubb, and Hudson Lewis, and his close friend, Darin Elkins. Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandnephews Santino Grant, Greyson Tubb, Wyatt Lewis, and Brady Lewis.

Jerry's favorite Scripture was:

"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15 His faith, love of family, devotion to his country, and appreciation for the simple joys of life will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause that was close to Jerry's heart. May Jerry rest in the peace of Christ, reunited with those who have gone before him, until the day his family is together again.